What to Know About Motorcycle Accident Law

Woodland Hills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

There are countless risks associated with riding a motorcycle, but few think about the consequences during the thrill of the ride. Should you find yourself in an accident, you might not know what to do, especially since motorcycle accident law is a little different from other forms of car accident law.

So, listen up motorcyclists! When you get into a pickle, here’s a brief overview of motorcycle law written by lawyers to help get you back on the road.

How are they different from other car accident law?

Motorcycle accident law differs from car accident cases because of the risk of injury associated with an accident. In fender-bender between two cars, you can be fairly certain both drivers will get out with only a few scratches on them. But a small fender-bender with a motorcycle can result in serious bodily injury or even death.

Because a motorcyclist is virtually unprotected on the road, the rider is at a greater risk of injury. Though this means a larger settlement is usually entitled to the motorcyclist, things can get a bit hairy if the rider didn’t take the proper safety precautions on the road. As such, a number of liability issues arise when analyzing motorcycle accident cases.

What liability issues might I encounter after my motorcycle accident?

For most motorcycle accidents, negligence reigns king. The law of negligence defines the carelessness of another driver that resulted in the motorcycle injury. Though a motorcyclist can be labeled as negligent, it’s most often the other driver of a car or truck that is negligent. Should the other driver performed negligent behaviors that resulted in the injury of a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist would be entitled to financial compensation.

Here are just some examples of negligent behavior on the road:

Driving under the influence

Running a red light

Failing to yield

What compensation can I receive from a motorcycle accident lawsuit?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to a number of damages in your settlement. Here are just some of the damages you can receive by taking legal action:

Medical Expenses

Property damage

Pain and suffering

Lost income

Out-of-pocket expenses

For extra information, it is always a good idea to talk to our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys for more information on the damages that you’re entitled to following an accident.

What risk factors should I look out for on the road?

While it’s impossible to control the actions of other drivers on the road, defensive driving is your best approach to staying safe. Leave plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you and follow the rules of the road instead of taking short-cuts. Even though it seems silly to put your turn signal on when there are no cars around, this good habit will help when there’s plenty of traffic.

Here are some of the most common risk factors on the road for motorcyclists:

Decreased visibility — Motorcycles are already much smaller than cars, making them more difficult to see. This can be especially dangerous when visibility conditions are low, like when it’s raining or dark outside.

Road hazards — Potholes, inclement weather, and objects in the road can all result in a sharp swerve or sudden stop.

Reckless driving — it’s common for motorcycles to weave in and out of traffic, but it’s time to put the brakes on this bad behavior. Follow the rules of the road to stay safe.

Results Oriented, Trustworthy and Knowledgeable

I suffered through a not-my-fault auto accident in January of 2010. Unfortunately the opposing insurance company is well known for it’s habitual delays of paying plaintiffs. Barry Goldberg did an excellent job of pursuing Mercury on my behalf until we reached a more than fair settlement. He is fair, knowledgeable, kept me well informed through the months of interaction with opposing Counsel and acheived a great result considering all the circumstances. I would highly recommend him to anyone with a personal injury lawsuit! Should a prospective client wish to speak with me about working with Mr. Goldberg, please contact him for my information.

Car Accident Client

Highly Knowledgeable and Responsive

As an attorney with a legal matter outside my area of expertise, one involving my own family member, I decided to contact Mr. Goldberg after viewing some of his quality legal work. His grasp of the particulars was very impressive, as was his advice in regard to proceeding forward. His speedy and friendly response was refreshing, highlighting an engaged and highly competent professional.

Personal Injury Client

Negotiating a Settlement and Social Media

Really appreciate the legal guidance I received from Mr. Goldberg. I did not feel my insurance company had my best interest in mind and I reached out for legal council. It was clear Mr. Goldberg was an expert not only in personal injury cases but the use of Facebook posts and Tweets as evidence. I will definitely work with Mr. Goldberg again in the future and will recommend him to my family and friends.

Insurance Law Client

I was hit by a SUV while cycling in Santa Monica and was referred to Barry by a cycling friend (who was also a lawyer). Barry and his staff were professional and very easy to work with and negotiated a fair settlement with the drivers insurance company for the damage to my bike and for my medical bills and injuries. Unlike the run-in with the SUV (or going to the dentist), it was about as painless an experience as I could have hoped for.

Cicycle vs. SUVDave, a Car Accident Client

I initially called a different attorney to handle my case. He didn’t file the DMV forms and got my license suspended due to negligence. He also stopped answering the phone for a solid 6-8 months.

One day I began to search for a new attorney and I found Barry. He took over my case, knowing that it was a mess and he would have to put in extra work for free. He immediately took control and got everything in motion. My case was resolved in my favor, faster than I had anticipated.

I was kept up-to-date at all times, even when I didn’t call them. Sarah was sure to update me anytime new info came in. I would recommend Barry to my family. This is a great law office, so there’s no need to continue searching around and worrying who to call. You have found the people you are looking for. They also have a nice office for the times you need to stop by.

Here’s the attorney you have been searching for: Barry GoldbergRyan

I was involved in a car accident about a year ago, t-boned by another car which ran a red light. I found myself with a huge hospital bill, several other bills, a totaled car, phone calls and letters every day, and no one to turn to for help. I attempted to do things on my own, and quickly got in over my head. A friend found Barry’s website, so after a couple months of being stressed and overwhelmed, I gave him a call and we set up a free consultation.

The office is easy to find, very clean and professional. I met Barry and his assistant Sarah, and immediately felt comfortable and relaxed with them. Barry sat and listened and talked with me, giving advice for TWO hours instead of the agreed one hour! He was so genuine, so kind, and truly cared about my situation and wanted to help. A few days later I hired him, and it was the best decision I could’ve made!!!

Barry and Sarah always kept me in the loop with phone calls and emails of progress with my claims. They are persistent and efficient, and have won way more money for me than I could have ever gotten fighting this case on my own! Everything on their end has been fast- responses, updates, issuing checks- and with attention to detail. The only reason it has taken a year to wrap up has been waiting on the hospital/insurance/others to respond to the firm.

A tremendous burden was lifted off my shoulders when I hired this firm, and I am immensely pleased with their service and support!!! SO many thanks to the Goldberg law office!!! I’d recommend them any time 🙂